HELICOPTERS of the type which crashed into the North Sea, killing a North Wales oil rig worker should remain grounded, an union said.

Gareth Wyn Hughes, 53, from Betws-y-Coed, was one of 16 men aboard the Super Puma helicopter when it crashed into the sea in fine weather on April 1. None survived. He will be laid to rest on Tuesday.

The Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union said the helicopter should be grounded until union safety reps give their approval for flights to continue.

Two models of the helicopter were grounded on the weekend.

General secretary of the RMT, which lost two members in the crash, Bob Crow said: “While we welcome the news that our demand that the Super Pumas should be grounded has been met, it is clear that 48 hours will not be enough and we repeat our call for the fleet to remain on the ground until all checks have been made.”